LOCAL residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

The annual canvass allows Rother District Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.

Households will initially be contacted by email or post and people should check the communication they receive for details on how to respond.

Lorna Ford, Electoral Registration Officer at Rother District Council, said: “Keep an eye out for important updates from Rother District Council.

“The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register to vote, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

In Great Britain, 92 per cent of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36 per cent of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so.

“We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.

“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the council’s Elections team by calling 01424 787000 or emailing elections@rother.gov.uk.

Published: 9th August 2023